CATEGORIES

UNTAPPED POTENTIAL OF BUSINESS JETS IN AN ENCOURAGING MARKET

India's business jet market is witnessing growth, fueled by rising UHNWIS and increasing private jet demand. Yet, challenges like high operational costs, inadequate infrastructure, and unclear fractional ownership policies hinder its full potential, explains R. CHANDRAKANTH

Durable Solutions for Runway Construction

Durable runway and highway construction can be achieved by promoting advanced solutions like Performance Grade (PG) binders and leveraging NABL-accredited laboratories to design pavement that can withstand the challenges of aggressive climatic conditions and heavy traffic loads. This ensures long-lasting, climate-adaptable, ESG-compliant, and sustainable infrastructure while advocating for policy changes and innovation. In this interaction with SUBHENDU KUNDU, General Manager of Marketing & Branding of Hindustan Colas, these pressing issues and forward-looking solutions are discussed in detail.

BEYOND FUNCTIONALITY DESIGNING AIRPORTS FOR EXTENDED PASSENGER STAYS

Airports today are redefining functionality with immersive designs that blend green aesthetics, local culture, and retail-focused layouts. By encouraging extended passenger stays, they transform travel into an engaging experience, observes RASHEED KAPPAN

MERGER OF EQUALS

Vistara has flown into the sunset following its merger with Air India, marking a significant step in the Tata Group's ambitious aviation transformation. As MIKE RAJKUMAR notes, while the merger brings opportunities for growth with an expanded fleet and network, it also poses challenges in preserving Vistara's service ethos and navigating complex integration processes

WAITING TO TAKE OFF

India's coastline and waterways present immense potential for seaplane operations, particularly for regional connectivity and tourism, yet seaplane operations are yet to take-off despite many attempts. While challenges like infrastructure and commercial viability persist, strong government initiatives, including revised regulations and financial support, are required to establish a sustainable seaplane ecosystem, examines ATUL CHANDRA

TRANSFORMING ATM WITH REMOTE TOWERS AND SWIM

Remote-control towers and SWIM technology offer cost-effective solutions for managing small airports, enhancing data sharing, efficiency, and scalability while aligning with global aviation standards, explains DR. ARJUN SINGH

REVIVING MAMNOOR AIRPORTI TELANGANA'S GATEWAY TO REGIONAL AND GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY

Mamnoor Airport, once India's largest pre-Independence airport, is set for a transformative revival, marking a significant milestone for Telangana's aviation sector. With ₹205 crore sanctioned for expansion, the airport aims to accommodate international aircraft and boost connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in the region, reports NIDHI SHARMA

KERALA'S AVIATION EXPANSION PROGRESS AMIDST CHALLENGES

Four international airports and a fifth on the way mark Kerala's aviation growth, but financial struggles and safety concerns reveal that all is not well, uncovers RASHEED KAPPAN

A LANDMARK IN FLIGHT SIMULATOR TRAINING

SIMAERO AND HAVELSAN FORGE A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

INDIGO FUNNELS HOLIDAY TRAFFIC THROUGH BENGALURU

IndiGo is establishing Bengaluru as a strategic hub, connecting high-spending local travelers to international leisure destinations like Bali and Langkawi. With its market-stimulating fares and expanding infrastructure, the airline is tapping into Bengaluru's potential as a gateway for holiday traffic, highlights AMEYA JOSHI

GROUNDED FOREVER

The collapse of Jet Airways is a cautionary tale for all Indian carriers, highlighting the risks of debt, mismanagement, and competition in a volatile aviation market. Once a leader in Indian aviation, its liquidation marks the end of an era for Full Service Carriers, highlights ATUL CHANDRA

THE JET SAGA ENDS

The Supreme Court's decision to order the liquidation of Jet Airways is a stinging reflection on how the bankruptcy code is being interpreted by the NCLT and how it has become an impediment rather than a transformative institution that can help companies come back to life.

Adani Airport Thales Forge Strategic Partnership to Improve Airport Operations and Passenger Experience in India

Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), the largest private airport operator in India, and Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies, today announced a strategic partnership to revolutionise AAHL’s international airport operations and passenger experience across the country.

ADVANCING AIR MOBILITY OVERCOMING CHALLENGES, SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), as analysed by M P RAJASEKHARAN, explores solutions for reducing urban congestion and enhancing access to remote locations through sustainable, automated air transport systems, addressing key challenges and future opportunities in this evolving sector.

ON THE CUSP OF GROWTH

The growth of regional airlines in India will increase the market for regional jetliners.

BOEING STRIKE DISRUPTS INDIAN CARRIERS' EXPANSION PLANS

The Boeing machinist strike has stalled aircraft deliveries, directly affecting Akasa Air and Air India Express, both of which are now facing delays in their fleet expansion efforts, highlights

REGIONAL AIRPORTS MUSHROOMING WITH CHALLENGES GALORE

Karnataka's push for regional air connectivity has led to a surge in airport infrastructure, yet many of these airports face challenges like fluctuating demand and limited flight frequencies. While the UDAN scheme has supported growth, the long-term viability of several regional airports remains uncertain, highlights

'PHARMACY OF THE WORLD' SUPPLY CHAIN WOES

India's pharmaceutical sector, has achieved remarkable growth, but faces significant supply chain hurdles, including high logistics costs and limited cold chain facilities. Addressing these challenges is essential to sustain its global impact and future expansion, reports

BUMPER WINTER AHEAD FOR INDIAN CARRIERS

The DGCA's winter 2024 schedule approves 25,007 weekly flights, marking growth for Indian carriers, with Air India Express leading in expansion and Vistara set to merge with Air India, analyses

AIRPORT ADVANCEMENT

Indian airports are placing a greater emphasis on digitalisation and enhancing their eco-friendly credentials, updates

THROTTLING AHEAD

The situation with the grounding of Pratt & Whitney GTF engines is now trending downwards, a report

Connecting cities to airports HELI-TAXIS ARE OUT, AIR TAXIS ARE IN

As heli-taxis falter, electric air taxis promise to transform urban connectivity. Yet, scalability, regulations, and operational challenges must be overcome for them to deliver efficient, affordable city-airport travel, reviews

Jets, Tech, And Green Goals

The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.

FREIGHT IN FLIGHT

In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One

ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is setting new standards in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) with the launch of its state-of-the-art software design and development facility in Pune, highlights

CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM

Despite rapid digital advancements in passenger air travel with the airline market expected to surpass $35 billion by end of this decade, the air cargo industry remains bogged down by outdated legacy systems, impeding progress in efficiency and real-time tracking. A special report by

PITCHING FOR SUPPORT

India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports

BATTLE FOR THE SKIES

As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses

"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"

In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.

POWERING UP

Urban Air Mobility providers are accelerating their eVTOL development programmes, reports